What Can Medical Asisstants Do and Cannot Do?
Jul 10, 2023
Medical assistants are relied on considerably by patients, other medical staff, and healthcare facilities in general. Without the help of these medical assistants, patient care would not be the same as it is now. As a medical assistant, you're responsible for a lot of duties, however, there are certain duties that you may or may not be able to do.
This depends on the state in which you choose to practice in, as well as the qualifications and training you have. This guide will explain exactly what medical assistants can and cannot do.
There are plenty of job opportunities in today's market for medical assistants. However, you may wonder what other jobs can medical assistants do?
Table of Contents
- What is the role of a medical assistant?
- What can medical assistants do?
- What medical assistants cannot do?
- What is the daily work of a medical assistant?
- How to become a medical assistant
What medical assistants can do
What can medical assistants do and cannot do? This often depends on the state in which you choose to practice in. Each state varies in its laws and regulations surrounding medical assistant practices.
If you're looking to practice in Florida, then this guide will be helpful in understanding what you can do in this state as a medical assistant and what you won't be able to do. Let's look at what you can do first.
What medical assistants cannot do
Again, what you can and cannot do as a medical assistant will vary greatly on which state you choose to study and practice in. It's important to know this because if a doctor were to ask you to do something outside of your medical assisting scope, then you'll be liable. However, a doctor assumes responsibility for anything a medical assistant does.
| MA´s can do | MA´s cannot do |
|---|---|
| Take vital signs: Recording blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration rates. | Diagnose or treat patients: MAs cannot provide medical diagnoses or treatment plans. |
| Perform aseptic procedures: Maintaining sterile environments to prevent infection. | Interpret test results: MAs are not authorized to analyze or interpret laboratory or diagnostic test outcomes. |
| Prepare patients for examination: Assisting in getting patients ready for physician evaluation. | Administer anesthetic or intravenous (IV) medications: MAs are prohibited from giving anesthetics or IV drugs. |
| Administer basic first aid: Providing immediate care for minor injuries or conditions. | Perform physical therapy: MAs cannot conduct physical therapy sessions independently. |
| Draw blood and collect samples: Performing venipunctures and collecting specimens under physician supervision. | Examine patients independently: MAs must not conduct patient examinations without direct physician oversight. |
| Handle administrative tasks: Managing patient records, scheduling, and other clerical duties. | Prescribe medications: MAs are not licensed to prescribe any form of medication. |
| Operate office medical equipment: Using devices like EKG machines under supervision. | Perform invasive procedures: Any invasive medical procedures are beyond the MA's scope of practice. |
| Administer medications: Giving medications as directed by a physician, excluding anesthetics and IV drugs. | Conduct independent patient assessments: MAs cannot make clinical judgments or assessments. |
What is the daily work of a medical assistant?
The daily responsibilities of a medical assistant role will vary from day to day. The mix of clinical and administrative tasks shakes up the role and keeps it interesting. With that being said, here are a few medical assistant duties that you'll be doing on a daily basis.
- Scheduling patient appointments
- Greeting patients and managing check-in procedures
- Collecting patient demographic and insurance information
- Answering phone calls and responding to inquiries
- Explaining office policies, billing procedures, or other information to patients
- Welcoming patients to the facility
- Using computer applications and software
- Answering telephones
- Schedule appointments
- Coding and filling out insurance forms
- Handling correspondence, billing, and insurance claims
- Preparing patients for examinations
- Collecting and prepping laboratory specimens
- Explaining treatment procedures to patients
- Preparing and administering medications
How to become a medical assistant
- Earn your diploma or GED: This is the basic requirement for enrolling in a medical assistant program.
- Enroll in a medical assistant program: These programs are offered through vocational schools, community colleges, and even some universities. There are certificate, diploma, and associate's degree options available.
- Gain experience (optional): While not always required, some programs may recommend or require an externship as part of the curriculum. Externships provide valuable hands-on experience in a clinical setting.
- Get certified: Certification is not mandatory in all states, but it is highly recommended by employers. There are a couple of certifications available: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). The most common path is the CMA offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
